Packing properly is one of the decisions that will have the biggest impact on your Inca Trail experience. Over four days, you’ll encounter sunny mornings, rainy afternoons, and nights with temperatures close to freezing, and you’ll feel the weight of everything you carry on your back with every step. This packing list will help you bring what you need without adding unnecessary weight or forgetting anything important.
How to Distribute the Weight: Your Daypack and the Porter’s Duffel Bag
Before packing, it’s helpful to understand how luggage is organized along the trail. You’ll have two separate bags:
- Daypack: you’ll carry this yourself throughout the trek. Ideally, choose a 25- to 35-liter backpack with a hip belt and rain cover.
- Porter’s duffel bag: if you hire a personal porter, they’ll carry your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and extra clothing. The weight limit is generally around 7 kg (15.4 lbs), including your sleeping bag, so confirm the exact allowance with your travel agency.
You can leave anything you won’t need during the trek in storage at your hotel in Cusco until you return.
Documents and Money
- Your original passport, the same one used to book your permit. You’ll need to show it at the checkpoint at km 82 and at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Your ISIC student card, if you booked using a student rate.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for tips, restrooms, water, or snacks at the first stops along the trail.
- A copy of your travel insurance.
Layered Clothing for Different Weather Conditions
The key isn’t to pack lots of clothes, but to bring items you can combine depending on the time of day and altitude. During the day, you might hike in a T-shirt, while at night you may need every warm layer you’ve packed.
For Hiking
- Two or three quick-drying T-shirts, preferably synthetic or merino wool.
- One pair of hiking pants, ideally convertible.
- A fleece jacket or pullover as a midlayer.
- A waterproof and windproof jacket.
- A rain poncho that also covers your backpack.
For Nights at the Campsite
- A warm down or synthetic insulated jacket.
- Thermal clothing for sleeping: a long-sleeve top and pants.
- A wool hat and gloves.
- Thick socks reserved exclusively for sleeping.
Footwear and Socks
- Hiking boots or shoes with good traction and ankle support.
- Sandals or lightweight shoes for relaxing at the campsite.
- Four or five pairs of hiking socks.
Never wear brand-new footwear on the Inca Trail. Use your shoes or boots on several hikes beforehand so they can adjust to your feet and you can identify any areas that might cause rubbing. If you arrive in Cusco a few days early, a short hike through Inkilltambo with yoga and an offering is a good opportunity to test your boots, backpack, and trekking poles on actual trails while acclimatizing to the altitude.
Sleeping Gear
- A sleeping bag suitable for below-freezing temperatures. If you don’t have one, most travel agencies offer rentals.
- An inflatable or foam sleeping pad, depending on what’s included in your tour.
- A small inflatable pillow, if you have trouble sleeping without one.
Daypack Essentials
- A reusable water bottle or hydration bladder with a capacity of at least 2 liters.
- Trekking poles with rubber tips, which are required to protect the stones along the trail.
- A headlamp with spare batteries.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat or cap.
- Insect repellent, especially for the final section of the trail and Machu Picchu.
- Energy snacks, such as nuts, chocolate, or granola bars.
- A portable power bank, since there’s no electricity at the campsites.
- Waterproof bags to protect your clothing and electronic devices.
First-Aid Kit and Personal Hygiene
- Your personal medications and any others prescribed by your doctor.
- Blister bandages and athletic tape.
- Toilet paper, biodegradable wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- A small microfiber towel.
- Lip balm with SPF protection.17
- A bag to carry your trash until the end of the trek.
What to Pack for Your Days in Cusco
Your main suitcase should also include what you’ll need during your acclimatization days before the trek. Pack comfortable clothes for relaxing activities, a warm jacket for evenings in the city, and something a little dressier for going out to dinner. If you’re planning to experience a cacao ceremony with a local guide in Cusco before leaving, loose-fitting clothing and an extra layer will help you feel more comfortable during the experience, which usually takes place while seated in a peaceful setting.
What You Should Leave Behind
- Cotton clothing, which takes a long time to dry and doesn’t keep you warm when wet.
- Unnecessary valuables, such as jewelry or laptops.
- Drones, since their use is prohibited within the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
- Single-use plastic containers and bags.
- A separate outfit for every day: two or three combinations are enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should My Backpack Weigh on the Inca Trail?
Ideally, your daypack should weigh no more than 5 to 7 kg (11 to 15.4 lbs), including water. The lighter it is, the more comfortable you’ll feel on uphill sections.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Tent?
No. On organized tours, the travel agency provides the tents, dining tent, and kitchen equipment. You only need to take care of your personal gear.
Is Drinking Water Available During the Trek?
Starting with the first lunch, the cooking team will provide boiled water to refill your bottle. For the first morning, bring water with you from the starting point.
Can I Rent Trekking Gear in Cusco?
Yes. Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and trekking poles can be rented through your travel agency or at stores in Cusco, saving space in your luggage.
How Does the Packing List Change During the Rainy Season?
Between November and March, increase your rain protection: bring a poncho, backpack rain cover, waterproof bags for everything, and an extra pair of socks.
